AMT Application Requirements
The classification offered by the AMT is the Registered Phlebotomy Technician or the RPT title. To apply to sit for the AMT’s exam the candidate must be enrolled in or already graduated from an approved phlebotomy program. The candidate will need to show proof of his/her work experience and schooling. Individuals, who have not graduated from a phlebotomy technician program but have worked at least 1,050 hours in the phlebotomy field, are also eligible to take the AMT certification exam.
Candidates will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader Software to view the files on this site. It costs $83 to sit for the AMT certification exam. This fee is nonrefundable and can be paid by money order, check or credit card. Once the application is complete, the candidate must mail the application, required documents and $83 fee to:
American Medical Technologists
10700 West Higgins Road, Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Suggested study materials to take the AMT Certification Exam can be found at http://www.americanmedtech.org/Portals/0/PDF/Certification/RPT-REF-2012.pdf.
Candidates may choose to purchase an online practice test for $10. These tests are accessible for 90 days. The access to the sample tests can be purchased online.
Certification is valid for one year at which time members must pay their annual renewal fee. For RPTs the fee is $50, if the annual renewal fee is not paid, the member’s active status expires.
AMT Certification Test Outline
Safety Standards & Procedures Total 10 Percent of the Test
- Recognize Problems Related to the Patient including nausea, syncope, etc.
- Identify the Appropriate Standard-Setting and Regulatory Agencies
- Understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Understand Isolation and Infection Control Techniques
- Universal Precautions
Ethical, Legal & Professional Considerations Total 6 Percent of the Test
- Know the Liability Principles Related to the Practice of Phlebotomy
- Know the Importance of Performing Duties Ethically, Professionally & Legally
- Adhering to Civil Rights Acts and Criminal Justice
- Professional Appearance and Conduct While Performing Phlebotomy Duties
Anatomy, Physiology & Terminology Totals 9 percent of the Test
- Know Basic Anatomy
- Use Basic Terminology that Includes Prefixes, Suffixes and Root Words
- Know the Basic Physiological Systems
Obtaining Blood Specimens Totals 41.5 Percent of the Test
- Correct Patient Identification
- Know the Requirements for Identification of Appropriate Specimens
- Understand the Physiological Aspects Related to Blood Collection
- Preparation Procedures to Prepare Patient for a Variety of Tests
- Selecting an Appropriate Venipuncture Site
- Venipuncture Procedure
- Proper Sequence of Tube-Draws
- Performing Heel Sticks on Infants
- Perform Finger Sticks
- Provide Patient with Proper Care Following Skin Punctures, Venipunctures and Arterial Draws
- Proper Handling of Specimens to Ensure Specimen Integrity
- Proper Protocol for Labeling Blood Bank Specimens for Typing
Clerical Duties Totals 5.5 Percent of the Test
- Use Appropriate Sources to Retrieve Patient Tests & Other Information
- Properly File & Chart Laboratory Reports
- Computer Skills
- Maintain the Laboratory Inventory Levels by Restocking & Ordering Supplies
Collection & Processing of Specimens Totals 15.5 Percent of Test
- Proper Procedures for Handling Non-Blood Specimens to Ensure Their Integrity
- Know How to Properly Collect and then Handle Blood Culture Specimens
- Collect & Handle Specific Kinds of Specimens According to Time & Temperature Requirements
- Ability to Deliver Specimens to the Proper Stations
- Instruct Patients in their Collection of Various Specimens
- Collect & Process Specimens for Point-of-Care Testing
- Ability to Correctly Process Specimens for Shipping
Professional Communications Totals 4.5 Percent of Test
- Proper Etiquette & Technique for Answering the Telephone
- Develop Proper & Professional Communication Skills with Patients, Staff and Families
- Properly Inform Patients about Special Test Requirement (e.g., fasting)
Time Management Totals 8 Percent of Test
- Collect & Analyze the Requisitions/Orders from the Physician
- Determine Priorities for the Collection of Specimens (STAT, Fasting, etc.)
- Schedule the Time Intervals for Patients’ Tolerance Tests & Drug-Dependent Tests
- Cooperate with Co-Workers to Complete Assignments/Duties
- Proper Technique for Referring Problems to Supervisors
